Rashid Al Marri shows top form with twin titles in Hathab Rd 8

Tribune News Network Doha Qatar’s experienced showjumper Rashid Towaim Al Marri roared into good form as he claimed the Big Tour and Open Class titles in t...

Tribune News NetworkDohaQatar’s experienced showjumper Rashid Towaim Al Marri roared into good form as he claimed the Big Tour and Open Class titles in the eighth round of the Longines Hathab Qatar Equestrian Tour at the Qatar Equestrian Federation’s Outdoor Arena on Saturday.Sheikh Ahmed bin Noah, Member of the Board of Directors of Qatar Equestrian Federation honoured the winners.On another chilly evening, Al Marri was concentration personified as he rode Navaronne with confidence and precision in the Big Tour One round against the clock with jump off, Art.238.2.2 | 130/145cm event.Competing last in the four-rider jump-off final, he needed just a clear round to win and he did so on a difficult course with tough triple barriers clocking 41.10secs.Hamad Nasser Al Qadi (Nebrasco, 36.42) and Faleh Suwead Al Ajami (Ulano, 38.56) finished second and third respectively fetching faults in their bid to be swifter.Earlier, Al Marri Claimed the Open Class title (Table A, Two phases, FEI Art. 274.1.5.3 | 115/125cm), riding Mira V/D Roshoeve and clocking 29.77secs . Sheikh Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani (Serendipity, 31.71) and Nasser Al Ghazali (What A Pleasure, 31.82) finished in second and third spots.A pleased Al Marri said, “On the first day of the tour, the weather was difficult in light of the difficult weather and strong winds that affect the horses. Nevertheless, I managed to get second place in the open round for teams with ExxonMobil team, and thank God today the good results continued by winning the open and major rounds.On his winning round, he said, “Since everyone was riding ahead of me today, it gave me time to watch and plan. Every other rider dropped a hurdle, so I was focused only on completing the course without faults.“I was using my mare in a Big Tour event for only the second time. She didn’t have experience, but I’m happy with how she did. Step by step, I’ll use her in bigger competitions. I’m confident she’ll do well not only in Qatar, but in international events as well,” he added.Hamad Nasser Al Qadi too rode a new horse in Nebrasco is his first Big Tour competition. “We were unlucky to drop a hurdle. But considering it was our first competition together, it wasn’t too bad,” he said.Al Marri explained that since the season is long with 14 rounds, it is important to keep the horses fresh and healthy. “Our goal is for the horses to continue to provide the same level to continue the distinguished results and we wish for more success in the future tours,” he said.ResultsBig Tour | Table A, One round against the clock with jump off, Art.238.2.2 | 130/145cm | Prize-Money QR45,0001. Rider: Rashid Towaim Al Marri; Horse: Navaronne; Faults: 0; Time: 71.41secs; Faults: 0; Time: 41.10secs; Prize: QR11,250002. Hamad Nasser Al Qadi; Nebrasco; 0; 70.63secs; 4; 36.42secs; QR9,0003. Faleh Suwead Al Ajami; Ulano; 0; 71.07secs; 4; 38.56secs; QR6,750.Open Class | Table A, Two phases, FEI Art. 274.1.5.3 | 115/125cm | Prize-Money QR25,000 1. Rashid Towaim Al Marri; Mira V/D Roshoeve; 0; 39.94secs; 0; 29.77secs; QR6,2502. Shk. Khalifa Al Thani; Serendipity; 0; 38.62secs; 0; 31.71secs; QR5,0003. Nasser Al Ghazali; What A Pleasure; 0; 42.42secs; 0; 31.82secs; QR3,750.